Austrian Alps cheese vs Fontina Cheese

Austrian Alps cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Austrian Alps cheese?

Austrian Alps cheese, despite its name, is actually from Switzerland and is made from pasteurized cow's milk. This cheese is known for its nutty and spicy flavor, which offers a warm and inviting taste experience. The aroma is similarly aromatic, with nutty and spicy notes that complement its taste. It's a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or used to enhance various dishes. Its smooth texture makes it easy to slice or melt, adding a rich flavor to any meal. Whether paired with a glass of wine or used in cooking, Austrian Alps cheese brings a delicious twist to the table.

What Is Fontina Cheese?

Fontina is a cow's milk cheese from Italy's Aosta Valley, made there since the 12th century. It runs semisoft to hard, tastes creamy and nutty with earthy, mushroomy notes, and melts well enough to carry a fondue.

What's the Difference Between Austrian Alps cheese and Fontina Cheese?

• Origin: Austrian Alps cheese (Switzerland), Fontina Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Austrian Alps cheese (pasteurized), Fontina Cheese (Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions))
• Texture: Austrian Alps cheese (Semi-hard), Fontina Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Taste: Austrian Alps cheese (nutty, spicy), Fontina Cheese (Mild, Buttery, Nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Austrian Alps cheese Taste Like Fontina Cheese?

Austrian Alps cheese reads as nutty, spicy, while Fontina Cheese brings mild, buttery, nutty character. On the nose, Austrian Alps cheese offers aromatic, nutty, spicy, contrasted with Fontina Cheese's mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions).

Can You Substitute Austrian Alps cheese for Fontina Cheese?

In most recipes, Austrian Alps cheese and Fontina Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Austrian Alps cheese reads as nutty, spicy while Fontina Cheese brings mild, buttery, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Austrian Alps cheese or Fontina Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Austrian Alps cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Fontina Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Austrian Alps cheese suits recipes that want nutty, spicy notes, while Fontina Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, buttery, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austrian Alps cheese the same as Fontina Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Austrian Alps cheese originates in Switzerland, while Fontina Cheese comes from Italy.

Is Austrian Alps cheese similar to Fontina Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Austrian Alps cheese for Fontina Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Austrian Alps cheese taste like Fontina Cheese?

Austrian Alps cheese reads as nutty, spicy, while Fontina Cheese is mild, buttery, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Austrian Alps cheese leans aromatic, nutty, spicy, and Fontina Cheese is closer to mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions).

What is Austrian Alps cheese made of?

Austrian Alps cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Switzerland.

What is Fontina Cheese made of?

Fontina Cheese is made from cow milk (raw (for traditional italian fontina), pasteurized (for most american versions)), using traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor). It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Austrian Alps cheese or Fontina Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Austrian Alps cheese is semi-hard, while Fontina Cheese is semi-soft.